Artist (iPhone)

PlayFirst is an innovative entertainment company that makes video games appealing to everyone. We create engaging story worlds that capture imaginations and we make those experiences available everywhere consumers want to play. PlayFirst teams create outstanding games, then we bring those games to life across popular platforms worldwide including PC, Mac, mobile, handheld, and console. The company's portfolio includes world-renowned titles, such as Diner Dash®, Wedding Dash™, Chocolatier™, Chocolatier®, and Dream Chronicles™. PlayFirst games are available in major retailers and on more than 500 sites in 20 languages.

Founded in 2004 by veterans of Internet portals, traditional games publishers, entertainment software, and technology firms, PlayFirst is funded by Mayfield Fund, Trinity Ventures, Rustic Canyon Partners and DCM. PlayFirst, Inc is headquartered in downtown San Francisco. For more information, visit www.playfirst.com.

Job Description:

The iPhone Artist works directly with a cross functional iPhone team to create high quality and native resolution artwork for PlayFirst's iPhone games. The iPhone Artist will develop techniques and best practices for translating existing art assets to the device as well as creating ground-up original content. The iPhone Artist reports to the Sr. iPhone Artist and will have daily interaction with the Sr. Product Manager and the iPhone Engineers.

Responsibilities:

• Create conceptual art pieces to define the overall “look and feel” for each game.
• Work with designers and product marketing to define and create the game's user interface .
• Design and create game artwork and animation, based on project specifications.
• Work cross-functionally with engineers and producers to develop top-quality game assets.
• Follow project specifications to finish artwork on time and within technical requirements.
• Maintain flexibility to assist with special projects, as needed.
• Define and package tasks for external iPhone contract artists, review completed external art.
• By example, demonstrate a highly professional standard of behavior.

Requirements:

• Experience with web graphics, UI and typography.
• Strong knowledge of Photoshop, Flash and other design-oriented programs.
• 2+ years of experience as an Artist or Animator in a high tech environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of people, such as engineers and producers.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Some 3D proficiency preferred.
• College degree in Art, Animation, Design or a related field.

Preferred:

• Enthusiasm and experience with iPhone or iPod Touch games.
• Demonstrated ability to create assets aligned with the Diner Dash art aesthetic.
• Experience working on mobile applications or other low-resolution art assets.
• Continued education design classes and/or certifications.

Benefits:

Core benefits include: health, dental, vision, life/disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) and stock options. PlayFirst is located downtown in SOMA right by the financial district (2 blocks from BART) and offers great fringe benefits, including generous vacation/sick time, 10 company holidays, winter break, chair massage, snacks, refreshments, and company-wide "playdates" to test each of our games during the development process.

Salary and level to be determined by experience and education

To apply for this position, please email your resume in a standard Word or PDF document to jobs@playfirst.com and please include the exact job title in the subject line as above.